Our regular coaches
Jill Kessell
Jill Kessell has dedicated her life to horses, with a passion for equestrian education and community engagement that spans decades. Her journey began at age 11 on a camp in Serpentine, where she first discovered the joys of riding. At 14, Jill got her first horse, a tolerant station horse, during her time in Darwin. Tragically, she lost him to Cyclone Tracy, along with most of the horses at her Pony Club.
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Returning to Perth to complete high school, Jill rode sporadically for many years, making do with borrowed horses or time at riding schools. Her equestrian journey reignited in her 40s when she got another horse and joined the Kelmscott Adult Riding Club. From there, her passion for equestrian education flourished, and she pursued accreditation as an EA coach and dressage judge, formally beginning her coaching career in 2014.
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Jill has been a cornerstone of the Wallangarra Riding and Pony Club since 2018, serving as Chief Instructor and mentoring countless riders. She is also a PCA-accredited coach and contributes her skills to Eq Cetera, a therapeutic riding centre. Her dedication to equestrian development extends to her roles on the EWA Coaching Committee and as a State Coaching Panel PCWA Board Member.
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Throughout her career, Jill has partnered with many incredible horses, each shaping her equestrian expertise. Among them, Tae, a Thoroughbred, introduced her to dressage, earning a memorable comment from a judge on their first test: "Lovely horse, rider needs to learn to ride him properly!" Her heart horse, Tango, a spirited Connemara pony, was her most cherished equine partner of all.
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Horses have provided Jill with lifelong friendships, countless happy memories, and a profound interest in equestrianism. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge, fostering inclusivity, and helping riders achieve their goals. Jill's unwavering dedication continues to inspire and shape the next generation of equestrians.
Phillipa Willis
EA Level 2 Jumping Specialist Coach
Phillipa Willis is an accomplished equestrian coach whose passion for horses began before she could even talk. Growing up near UWA, far from any horses, Phillipa's natural talent for drawing them hinted at a lifelong connection. Her journey began with riding lessons and camps at Broadacres, Springfield, and Greylands RDA, thanks to her supportive parents.
From her early days as a working pupil at riding schools to owning her first horse at 13, Phillipa learned the value of hard work and determination. Her early experiences included working on a Pilbara station and shearing sheds, followed by an eye-opening stint in England, where she trained intensively as a working pupil and earned her British Horse Society (BHS) qualifications.
Upon returning to Australia, Phillipa's coaching career flourished. She worked at Broadacres and later trained with renowned equestrian Fiona John, transitioning from eventing to her true passion: show jumping.
Phillipa’s desire to learn and improve led her to train in the United States, where she gained invaluable insights from top riders and coaches. Her time in the US shaped her understanding of high-performance equestrian sport, including managing elite horses and experiencing international competition.
In 2000, Phillipa helped Sue and Rory Hovell setup Yalambi Farm Stud, deepening her knowledge of breeding and young horse training. She later ran her own stable and coaching business in the Swan Valley for a decade, where she nurtured countless students and horses, earning her EA Level 2 Jumping Specialist certification in 2010.
Phillipa has also explored sports psychology and coaching techniques through mentorship with Glenn Stewart, former head coach of the West Coast Eagles. This experience expanded her understanding of how to tailor her coaching to individual needs, creating a positive and effective learning environment.
Dedicated to continuous improvement, Phillipa has collaborated with renowned coaches, including Michelle Strapp, and Martine Hanover to refine her methods and enhance her horses' performance and strength. Her commitment to learning and sharing knowledge has made her a highly respected figure in the equestrian community.
In 2017, Phillipa was awarded Coach of the Year (Jumping), a testament to her expertise, dedication, and the profound impact she has had on riders of all levels.
Phillipa’s coaching philosophy is rooted in fostering understanding between horse and rider, creating happier partnerships regardless of discipline or level. With a wealth of experience and a deep passion for helping others succeed, Phillipa continues to inspire riders to achieve their goals and build stronger connections with their horses.
